What Is Spoiled Milk Good For, and Can You Drink It?

Introduction:

Catching a whiff of spoiled milk is enough to ruin even the most voracious appetite, but if you find yourself stuck with a carton of it, you may want to think twice before pitching it.

Contrary to popular belief, spoiled milk may have a place in your next culinary pursuit.

Not to mention, using spoiled milk in recipes is a great way to reduce food waste.

This article explains what spoiled milk is, whether it’s safe to drink, and ways you can use it.

What is spoiled milk?

Spoiled milk is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria that compromises the quality, flavor, and texture of milk.

Since the late 1800s, the vast majority of commercially produced milk is pasteurized. The pasteurization process kills many of the most harmful strains of bacteria known to cause foodborne illness, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.

However, pasteurization doesn’t eliminate all types of bacteria. Plus, once you open a carton of milk, it’s exposed to additional bacteria from the environment. Over time, these small bacterial communities can multiply and eventually cause your milk to spoil.

Signs your milk has spoiled

Milk spoils due to an overgrowth of bacteria that compromises its quality. You know your milk is spoiled if it has an unpleasant odor or taste or changes texture.

Slightly different from sour milk

Spoiled milk usually refers to pasteurized milk that has gone bad, while sour milk may refer to raw milk that has begun to ferment.

Risks of drinking spoiled milk

Drinking spoiled milk can cause digestive distress, such as vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.

Can still be useful in the kitchen

Though you shouldn’t drink spoiled milk, it’s far from useless.

If your milk is very old and has started to curdle, become slimy, or grow mold, it’s best to throw it out. Yet, if it’s just a little off and slightly acidic, there are several ways to use it.

Try using slightly spoiled milk in one of the following culinary applications:

Baked goods. Substitute spoiled milk for regular milk, buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream in recipes like biscuits, pancakes, scones, and cornbread.

Soups and stews. A splash of spoiled milk can help thicken and add richness to soups, stews, and casseroles.

Salad dressing. Use sour milk to make creamy dressings like ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese.

Cheesemaking. Use sour milk to make homemade cottage or farmer’s cheese.

Tenderize. Use sour milk to marinate and tenderize meat or fish. You can also soak uncooked, whole grains in it to soften them.

Additionally, you can add spoiled milk to homemade face masks or a bath to soften your skin. Still, you may want to mix it with essential oils or other fragrant ingredients if you find the smell overbearing.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/spoiled-milk?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=authoritynutrition&utm_content=2019-08-21&apid=#bottom-line

https://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/973481/in-a-pickle-what-to-do-with-spoiled-milk/